Chapter 113: Second boss, the big boss is in trouble!

Nine Dragon Market.

Jade Cuisine Pavilion.

Inside a private room, Yu Maocheng was eating and drinking with Lu Changsheng.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, the Lu Family’s situation seems quite grim now. I wonder if you have any thoughts or plans?”

After a few drinks, Yu Maocheng spoke.

“What thoughts or plans could I have? When the sky falls, someone taller will hold it up. It’s not my turn to worry.”

“Why, Fellow Daoist Yu, when you bring this up, do you perhaps have some connections?”

Lu Changsheng’s eyebrows twitched when he heard this.

When Yu Maocheng invited him for drinks today and brought him to this private room, he already felt that the other party had something to say.

Now, hearing this, he thought, ‘Sure enough.’

“What connections could I have.”

“It’s just that the Yu Family has the intention to recruit you, Fellow Daoist Lu, and they asked me to be a mediator.”

“They said that if you, Fellow Daoist Lu, are willing to join the Yu Family, the Yu Family is willing to marry a Family member to you.”

“As for the terms and conditions, Fellow Daoist Lu can also propose them.”

Yu Maocheng picked up a piece of food, smiled bitterly, and spoke truthfully.

“I, Lu Changsheng, came to the Lu Family from humble beginnings, and now my wife, concubines, and children are all in the Lu Family. How could I do such a thing as betraying my Family?”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, please don’t blame me. It’s just that the Yu Family knew I was acquainted with Fellow Daoist Lu, so they asked me to be a mediator. They had no other intentions.”

“I’ll drink this as a penalty.”

Yu Maocheng immediately raised his wine glass and spoke, expressing his apology.

“I naturally know that.”

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly, not caring.

He knew that in this matter, Yu Maocheng was just a mediator.

The Yu Family asked him to be a mediator, and he couldn’t refuse.

“In that case, I will give the Yu Family a reply afterward.”

“However, Fellow Daoist Lu, becoming a High Grade Talisman Master at such a young age shows extraordinary talent in Talismans. I estimate that the Yu Family will not give up easily and will send someone to recruit you again.”

Yu Maocheng said.

His tone involuntarily carried a hint of envy.

Previously, when the Yu Family asked him to be a mediator, he was somewhat surprised.

When he learned that Lu Changsheng was a High Grade Talisman Master, his heart was filled with astonishment.

He had always thought Lu Changsheng was a Middle-Grade Talisman Master.

He didn’t expect Lu Changsheng to have already Advanced to a High Grade Talisman Master.

While marveling at Lu Changsheng’s talent in Talismans, he also understood why the Lu Family didn’t say anything about Lu Changsheng marrying wives and concubines like this.

Because his status and position were completely incomparable to that of a son-in-law in a Cultivation Family like him.

“Alright, thank you for the reminder, Fellow Daoist Yu.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

He also understood the meaning in Yu Maocheng’s words.

It meant that the Yu Family would still introduce him to the Yu Family members through Yu Maocheng later.

So, this was also considered a heads-up.

“Actually, as a friend, I think Fellow Daoist Lu can consider this aspect.”

“It’s not about betraying the Lu Family and definitely joining the Yu Family.”

“If the Lu Family’s situation truly becomes untenable, Fellow Daoist Lu must also consider a fallback plan for himself.”

Yu Maocheng took a sip of wine and spoke.

“We’ll see about that later.”

“It’s still a bit early to talk about this.”

Lu Changsheng sighed slightly.

In his escape plan, he had naturally considered a fallback.

If the Lu Family truly couldn’t hold on, Lu Changsheng planned to take his wife, concubines, and children and escape, hiding in a market for a few years.

Once he had hidden long enough, he would reveal his skills as a First-Order Top-Grade Talisman Master and choose to join a force like the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce.

As for Cultivation Families like the Yu Family, they were completely out of his consideration.

After all, not all Cultivation Families were as relatively upright as the Lu Family.

He needed a place where he could hide comfortably and at ease.

Moreover, after this incident with the Lu Family, if he were to join a Cultivation Family in the future, he would inevitably not be able to integrate and would be ostracized.

It would be easier and more comfortable to join a force like a Chamber of Commerce or a Sect.

“That’s true, there’s no rush for this.”

“With Fellow Daoist Lu’s Talismans skills, he can establish himself anywhere.”

Yu Maocheng nodded and did not continue to dwell on this topic.

Half a month later.

Lu Changsheng was drawing Talismans in the Lingfu Shop.

Zhang Shan told Lu Changsheng that Yu Maocheng was looking for him.

“Fellow Daoist Yu, what’s the matter?”

Lu Changsheng walked downstairs and asked Yu Maocheng.

“It’s just what I mentioned last time, the Yu Family will send someone to recruit you, Fellow Daoist Lu.”

“Today, the Third Young Master Yu has arrived and asked me to invite you, Fellow Daoist Lu, for a meeting.”

Yu Maocheng said.

“Third Young Master Yu?”

Lu Changsheng naturally didn’t know this Third Young Master Yu.

But to be called the Third Young Master, his status in the Yu Family must be extraordinary.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, why don’t you go and meet him?”

“Even if Fellow Daoist Lu has no intention of joining the Yu Family, you can still go and meet him.”

Yu Maocheng said.

After speaking, he lowered his voice and said, “Moreover, as far as I know, this Third Young Master has a bad reputation. Fellow Daoist Lu, try not to offend him if possible.”

“Alright, I’ll go and meet him with Fellow Daoist Yu then.”

Lu Changsheng chuckled when he heard this and nodded.

He knew that if he didn’t go, Yu Maocheng would have trouble reporting back.

Moreover, the Yu Family had even sent a Young Lord over, and it was impossible for him to come all this way, not meet anyone, and just leave so simply.

If he didn’t go this time, they would still come looking for him later, so it was better to meet him.

“Why does it feel like these Cultivation Families are trying to dig up the roots of the Lu Family?”

Lu Changsheng suddenly thought of the matter of Young Lord Bai pursuing Lu Miaoge before.

He felt that when that Young Lord Bai came to Nine Dragon Market and pestered Lu Miaoge, it wasn’t necessarily because he liked Lu Miaoge that much.

Instead, it was a way to show sincerity and wanted Lu Miaoge to join the Bai Family.

“Sigh, it really is ‘when the wall falls, everyone pushes it’.”

“The Lu Family Old Ancestor isn’t even dead yet, and it’s already like this. If the Lu Family Old Ancestor dies…”

Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but think to himself.

He felt that the Cultivation World was even more naked than he had imagined.

Immediately, Lu Changsheng and Yu Maocheng arrived at a private room on the second floor of the Jade Cuisine Pavilion.

Inside the private room, fine wine and delicacies were already prepared on the table.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, what a pleasure to meet you.”

A handsome, effeminate young man dressed in a blue brocade robe looked at Lu Changsheng, sized him up, and cupped his hands.

“Greetings, Young Master Yu.”

Lu Changsheng also knew that this was the Third Young Master Yu, and he cupped his hands slightly.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, Third Young Master, I still have some matters to attend to. You two chat.”

Yu Maocheng was just introducing people.

Now that he had brought Lu Changsheng here, he naturally wouldn’t stay, so he cupped his hands and excused himself.

“Mmm.”

Yu Ningyuan nodded slightly and waved his hand, signaling Yu Maocheng to withdraw.

Then he made a gesture of invitation, asking Lu Changsheng to sit down.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, please sit.”

“I believe Fellow Daoist Lu already knows why I invited you here this time.”

“I heard from Yu Maocheng that Fellow Daoist Lu currently has no such intentions, but there’s no rush. Fellow Daoist Lu can listen.”

“Even if it doesn’t work out, we can just be friends and get acquainted.”

Yu Ningyuan said with a smile, picking up the wine pot and personally pouring wine for Lu Changsheng.

“It is certainly a fortunate thing to be able to meet a talent like Young Master Yu.”

“I’ll drink this first.”

Seeing how polite the other person was, Lu Changsheng naturally wouldn’t offend him. He smiled and drained the wine in his cup.

He praised, “Good wine!”

This was not just polite talk.

Lu Changsheng didn’t drink much wine.

Only Jade Bamboo Wine and White Jade Hundred Flower Wine, and so on.

But at this moment, he could clearly feel that this wine was far superior to the Jade Bamboo Wine and White Jade Hundred Flower Wine he had drunk before.

It nourished his spiritual power and mind, and he estimated it was a First-Order High Grade spiritual wine.

“Heh heh, this is a specialty spiritual wine from my Bihu Mountain, Bihu Spiritual Wine.”

“It has a good nourishing effect on the mind. Fellow Daoist Lu is a Talisman Master, so you can drink more.”

“If you like it, I still have a pot on me. Fellow Daoist Lu can take it back and taste it.”

Yu Ningyuan said.

“Young Master Yu is too polite. I cannot accept gifts without merit. How could I possibly accept?”

Lu Changsheng waved his hand; he naturally wouldn’t covet such a small amount of spiritual wine.

Seeing this, Yu Ningyuan did not dwell on this matter and began to chat about other topics.

He asked about Lu Changsheng’s situation and life in the Lu Family.

He also talked about the current situation of the Lu Family and introduced the situation of his own Yu Family.

If Lu Changsheng hadn’t had the System and a clear plan for himself, he might have been swayed by this Third Young Master Yu’s respectful demeanor and words.

After all, from the Third Young Master’s words, the Lu Family’s situation was very grim.

And the Bihu Mountain Yu Family not only had two Foundation Establishment Great Cultivators overseeing it.

Within ten years, there was hope for the birth of a third Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator.

Their Family’s overall strength and future prospects far surpassed the Lu Family’s.

If Lu Changsheng was willing to join, his future could be said to be boundless.

After saying almost everything, Yu Ningyuan took out a pot of spiritual wine and three jade boxes and placed them on the table.

The three jade boxes were opened, and inside were a Magical Artifact talisman brush, ten glistening Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, and a High-Grade Breakthrough Pill.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, this is a small token of my Yu Family’s sincerity.”

“These resources are enough to allow Fellow Daoist Lu to Cultivate to the Late Stage Qi Refining!”

“Moreover, as long as Fellow Daoist Lu is willing to join my Yu Family, my Yu Family is also willing to marry a direct daughter to Fellow Daoist Lu as your wife.”

“Once Fellow Daoist Lu Cultivates to the Late Stage Qi Refining and makes enough contributions, my Yu Family can even bestow Advanced Cultivation Technique and impart Foundation Establishment insights.”

“I think the Lu Family probably can’t offer Fellow Daoist Lu such good benefits, can they?”

Yu Ningyuan said with a faint, confident smile.

Lu Changsheng looked at the spiritual wine, the Magical Artifact talisman brush, the ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, and the High-Grade Breakthrough Pill in front of him, and he couldn’t help but secretly marvel at the Yu Family’s generosity.

He could tell at a glance that this talisman brush was a High Grade Magical Artifact talisman brush.

Adding ten Mid-Grade Spirit Stones and a High-Grade Breakthrough Pill, it was worth over three thousand Spirit Stones.

This was undoubtedly a grand gesture.

He understood that the Yu Family was willing to pay such a price because they valued his talent and potential in Talismans.

They knew that in the future, he would not only be a High Grade Talisman Master, a First-Order Top-Grade Talisman Master,

but also had the potential to become a Second-Order Talisman Master.

Otherwise, a High Grade Talisman Master alone would not be worth such a high price for the Yu Family to poach.

Moreover, they were even marrying their direct daughter to him and bestowing an Advanced Cultivation Technique.

In Cultivation Families like this, the more powerful they were, the less likely their direct descendants were to marry outside the Family.

For instance, Yu Ningrong, who married Yu Maocheng, was only a collateral descendant of the Yu Family.

“Third Young Master Yu, I am very sorry, but Lu entered the Lu Family when he was at his weakest, and everything he has today is due to the Lu Family’s nurturing.

I simply cannot do anything that betrays the Family.”

Lu Changsheng cupped his hands and spoke with an apologetic expression.

If he were an ordinary Cultivator, facing such an offer, it would indeed be difficult to refuse.

After all, money, women, Cultivation Techniques, plus the Bihu Mountain Yu Family—

it could be said that all aspects of wealth, companion, Cultivation Technique, and land were arranged perfectly.

Especially the Advanced Cultivation Technique and Foundation Establishment insights were devastatingly effective for ordinary Cultivators.

Even if all Cultivators knew their chances of Foundation Establishment were slim,

upon hearing anything related to Foundation Establishment, they couldn’t help but be tempted and fall for it.

After all, Foundation Establishment was the dream of countless Cultivators!

Even a slight increase in chance would make them go crazy with desire.

As soon as he said this,

Yu Ningyuan, who had a faint, confident smile on his face, stiffened.

He looked at Lu Changsheng with some surprise.

He hadn’t expected that after all his efforts, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t be tempted.

He actually refused him!

One must know that when he received the mission and saw the conditions the Family offered, he even questioned them.

He felt the conditions were too generous.

It was only after the Family explained Lu Changsheng’s talent in Talismans that he grudgingly accepted.

But he never expected Lu Changsheng to refuse at this moment.

It made him truly unable to understand what was going on.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, you might not be very clear about the current situation of the Lu Family.”

“I can tell you directly that the Lu Family Old Ancestor’s lifespan is almost within these next three to five years.”

“And the Lu Family has no way to obtain Foundation Establishment Pills, so they absolutely cannot produce a new Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator.

Previously, the Lu Family sent people to the Purple Nether Secret Realm, but they also had no harvest.”

“Therefore, in this situation, the Lu Family’s demise is already destined.”

“Why do you…”

Yu Ningyuan began to speak, his tone no longer as polite.

However, before he could finish, a look of realization appeared on Yu Ningyuan’s face.

He understood why Lu Changsheng refused him.

“I understand, Fellow Daoist Lu, it must be because of your wives and concubines, right?”

“Because your wives, concubines, and children are all in the Lu Family!”

“Fellow Daoist Lu, rest assured, as long as you join my Yu Family, when the Lu Family perishes, my Yu Family can step in and try its best to protect your wives, concubines, and children.”

“Moreover, this Young Master has also heard that Fellow Daoist Lu enjoys female beauty, and is unhappy without women around him, which happens to be the same for this Young Master.”

“As long as you are willing to join the Yu Family, this Young Master’s thirty-six concubines and seventy-two maidservants are all for Fellow Daoist Lu to enjoy.”

Yu Ningyuan said with a confident smile.

“…”

Upon hearing this, Lu Changsheng was speechless for a moment.

This Third Young Master Yu had rendered him silent.

He didn’t know whether to call this Third Young Master Yu generous or something else.

He truly couldn’t keep up with the other party’s thought process.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, how about it?”

“At worst, the children born later, this Young Master will let them acknowledge you as their godfather!”

“Or if you truly like them, this Young Master can give you a few of them.”

Yu Ningyuan thought about the information regarding Lu Changsheng, believing he had seen through Lu Changsheng’s thoughts, and spoke with certainty of victory.

He also thought that since he had made such a great sacrifice to get Lu Changsheng to join the Yu Family, the Family would surely reward him handsomely upon his return.

“Lu currently has no intention of betraying the Lu Family, and I also thank Third Young Master Yu for his hospitality.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t know what to say.

He felt that he couldn’t have a proper conversation with this Young Master Yu.

If the other party had remained as polite as before, with the understanding that even if a deal didn’t go through, friendship remained, he would have treated it as making a friend.

But with this, he really didn’t know what to say, so he stood up to take his leave.

“Lu Changsheng, you…”

Yu Ningyuan saw that even after offering such great benefits, Lu Changsheng still didn’t know what was good for him, and a hint of anger appeared on his face.

He wanted to say something, but remembering that this was after all within the Market, he ultimately said nothing.

He merely snorted coldly and put the items on the table back into his Storage Pouch.

“Brother Lu, I am truly sorry about this time.”

Seeing Lu Changsheng walk downstairs alone,

Yu Maocheng, who was waiting downstairs, also guessed the outcome.

Knowing that the conversation hadn’t been pleasant, he cupped his hands and apologized.

“It’s nothing.”

Lu Changsheng cupped his hands, said nothing, and left the Jade Cuisine Pavilion.

“I wonder if what this Third Young Master Yu said earlier was true or false.”

After walking out of the Jade Cuisine Pavilion, Lu Changsheng thought about some of the things that Young Master Yu had just said.

Words about the current situation of the Lu Family.

He knew the Lu Family’s situation was not optimistic.

But the words of this Young Master Yu made it sound like the Lu Family was almost on the verge of destruction.

There was even a subtle implication that as soon as the Lu Family Old Ancestor died, not only the Hongye Valley Chen Family,

but also the Bihu Mountain Yu Family would come to carve up a piece of the pie.

“Regardless of whether what this Young Master Yu said is true or false, I must properly arrange for my wives and concubines.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

He didn’t care much about himself.

He had the strength to protect himself.

His main concern was still his wives, concubines, and children.

If a crisis came to the Lu Family, how could he safely escape with all his wives and children?

At this moment, Lu Changsheng clearly realized why most Cultivators were alone.

Because in most cases, being a lone wolf, pursuing the Dao alone, was indeed far superior to dragging a Family along.

As for his situation, it could no longer be called dragging a Family along.

It could be considered a small Family migration.

However, since he had chosen this path, the path of having many children and blessings, Lu Changsheng naturally wouldn’t complain about the trouble at this time.

He didn’t feel that he had too many wives and children.

“Strength, in the end, it’s still insufficient strength.”

“If I had Foundation Establishment strength, none of these things would be a problem.”

Lu Changsheng let out a light breath, deeply feeling the importance of strength.

His current strength was only enough to protect himself.

He still couldn’t properly protect his wives, concubines, and children.

“Regarding my wives and concubines, I’ll think about it when I return to Qingzhu Mountain in two months and see how to arrange things.”

“However, since I just met this Young Master Yu, I should inform the Lu Family about this.”

“Otherwise, if the Lu Family finds out later, they might become suspicious.”

Lu Changsheng thought to himself.

The matter of the Bai Family Young Lord pursuing Lu Miaoge earlier,

as well as this Young Master Yu offering a high price to poach him, made him feel that the Lu Family probably faced many such situations.

Since he encountered it, it was better to inform the Lu Family to avoid any grudges later.

After all, it was just a matter of a few words to clarify.

After nightfall,

Lu Changsheng left the Lingfu Shop and came to the East District Lu Family Courtyard.

He paid his respects to the Second Elder and recounted the day’s events to him.

“Changsheng, you are thoughtful.”

The Second Elder listened to Lu Changsheng’s words and patted his shoulder with a smile.

“The Yu Family sent someone to poach you, and they must have offered a great price.

Your unwavering stance shows that our Lu Family did not misjudge you.”

“Rest assured, our Lu Family has stood firm in Qingzhu Mountain for hundreds of years, and we won’t fall so easily.”

The Second Elder spoke.

“Second Elder, without the Lu Family, I, Lu Changsheng, would not be where I am today.”

“I will certainly advance and retreat with the Lu Family!”

Lu Changsheng said with a firm expression.

He didn’t care whether the Second Elder’s words were true or false, or whether the Lu Family’s situation was good or bad.

Since he was still in the Lu Family, he had to maintain the proper attitude.

“Good, good, good, having this intention is enough.”

The Second Elder, seeing this, immediately nodded in satisfaction and patted Lu Changsheng’s shoulder again.

And at the same time,

Great Dream Immortal City.

“The Qingzhu Mountain Lu Family Old Ancestor only has a few years left to live.”

Meng Xiaochun heard a piece of news, her eyes flickering with contemplation.

She then walked out of her Immortal Cave and left Great Dream Immortal City.

In a blink of an eye, over a month passed.

The matter of the Third Young Master Yu was just a small interlude for Lu Changsheng.

It had no impact on his life.

He still cultivated daily, made Talismans, went to work, and helped Xiaoqing with Dual Cultivation.

Although he was helping Xiaoqing with Dual Cultivation, he himself also gained something.

After all, such things, if he was idle, he was idle, and happy Cultivation could also improve his cultivation.

Under his slight control, Xiaoqing did not get pregnant.

However, two other maidservants became pregnant.

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind.

After all, he couldn’t just stop having children because the Lu Family’s situation was not optimistic, could he?

These maidservants were in Nine Dragon Market, and the Lu Family’s matters would not affect this side.

This day,

Lu Changsheng was meditating and Cultivating on the second floor of the Lingfu Shop when a hurried voice suddenly came.

“Second Shopkeeper, this is bad! The First Shopkeeper is seriously injured and unconscious, he’s not going to make it!”